Question

in short, the thing got so badly on our nerves that finally, with full knowledge of the financial iniquity² involved, i purchased one of those hopelessly plebeian³ affairs which travel under so many opprobrious⁴ pseudonyms—a ford. from that day to this i have owned some sort of a car and have thought myself a wise and a fortunate man, and subconsciously i have felt myself rather more of a person because of this possession, for such is the frailty of human nature.
to - day, however, marks a turning point, a milestone, a crisis in my career. personally i consider this day one of triumph—i have sold my car. i have no independent means of transportation other than my own good

click one underlined phrase in the paragraph at the top of page 3 that shows how the ownership of a car changed the way the author regarded himself.

Explanation:

The phrase "I have thought myself a wise and a fortunate man, and subconsciously I have felt myself rather more of a person because of this possession" shows how the car - ownership changed the author's self - perception. It indicates that the author felt wiser, more fortunate and more of a person due to owning the car.

Answer:

I have thought myself a wise and a fortunate man, and subconsciously I have felt myself rather more of a person because of this possession